Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer Q&A

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer causes the cells in the prostate gland to multiply and divide uncontrollably. The walnut-sized prostate gland produces seminal fluid, which feeds and transports sperm. There are different types of prostate cancer, but Dr. Bhatnagar focuses on localized cancer (cancer that hasn’t spread beyond the prostate gland).

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

The symptoms of prostate cancer can include:

• Trouble urinating
• Decreased force in the stream of urine
• Blood in the urine
• Blood in the semen
• Losing weight without trying

Early stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms, which is why Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screening is critical for early detection of prostate cancer. As the cancer worsens, you can experience erectile dysfunction and other sexual problems.

When should I see a doctor about prostate cancer?

Make an appointment at the Prostate Cancer Institute of Arizona if you have any of the above symptoms, and they last for more than a few days. That’s particularly true if they get worse or worry you.

How is prostate cancer diagnosed?

Dr. Bhatnagar reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms. He completes a physical exam and orders several tests, including:

Digital rectal exam (DRE)

Dr. Bhatnagar inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to assess your prostate gland. If he feels abnormalities in the gland’s size or texture, he orders additional screens. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test

A PSA test analyzes the amount of prostate-specific antigen in your bloodstream. High levels of PSA indicate infection, inflammation, an enlarged prostate, or prostate cancer.

Dr. Bhatnagar could order an ultrasound or an MRI to examine your prostate gland and the surrounding tissue more closely.

How is prostate cancer treated?

Dr. Bhatnagar is the only cancer specialist in the area who treats localized prostate cancer with low-dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy. This unique treatment requires only one visit and takes less than one hour.

Dr. Bhatnagar administers a general anesthetic, causing you to sleep. He then inserts tiny radioactive implants (seeds) into your prostate gland, closes the incisions, and moves you to a recovery room. Once placed, the seeds emit low doses of radiation over a long period.

LDR Brachytherapy isn’t offered at most cancer centers, which is why Dr. Bhatnager is so proud to provide it. It’s a highly skilled procedure that yields much higher erectile function preservation rates than alternative procedures like surgery and external beam radiation therapy.

Call the Prostate Cancer Institute of Arizona today to learn more about treating prostate cancer, or book your appointment online.